If you are interested in participating in the In-Person program, check our Locations page to find a program provider near you!

If you prefer a self-paced, online learning environment, EmploymentWorks Online may be for you. Click here to find out more!

If you self-identify as autistic, neurodivergent, or as a person with a disability, and you are looking for an opportunity to develop the skills you need to prepare for, find and keep a job, this may be the program for you! Explore this website to learn more about what you can expect. The Program and For Participants pages are great places to start!

EmploymentWorks is designed for individuals who are seeking support to prepare for, find and keep a job. It is currently offered in two formats: EmploymentWorks In-Person, and EmploymentWorks Online.

EmploymentWorks In-Person is a 3-phased program up to 12-months in duration. Phase 1 includes 60 hours of programming, with 30 hours dedicated to classroom learning that focuses on employment readiness, career exploration, and soft skills development, and 30 hours to job sampling that provides opportunities to practice these skills in a variety of workplace settings. The next phase of the program provides ongoing support to individuals as they strive to gain employment. These activities may include individualized or group based support to improve job seeking skills, assistance preparing resumes and applying for suitable jobs, developing effective interview skills, and/or connection with an employment placement agency or supported employment provider.

Support may also include determining appropriate skills training to further pursue an area of career interest and assistance preparing applications to post secondary institutions. The third phase targets individuals who gain employment during the program and provides access to time-limited ‘on-the job’ supports such as equipment to perform job tasks, job coaching, and a wage subsidy that can be used by their employer to help cover onboarding and training costs. Other program benefits include access to on-demand mental health resources and supports, and use of a unique communication tool to connect with program facilitators and track progress toward achieving employment goals. Contact your local program provider to learn more about the program in your area!

EmploymentWorks Online is a 12-module self-paced program for individuals who enjoy the flexibility and convenience of learning at their own pace and schedule. The program transforms the EmploymentWorks curriculum into a highly engaging learning experience, jam packed with interactive features, tools and resources, and offers new way for autistics and persons with disabilities to develop and practice the essential skills needed to prepare for, get and keep a job. The online format and user friendly design effectively eliminates barriers to participation related to location, transportation, or fixed program schedules.

During the program, individuals can connect with program facilitators as needed to ask questions, discuss program content, and receive optional 1:1 job seeking support. When employment is gained during the program, ‘on-the job’ supports are available to support integration into the workforce, such as equipment to perform job tasks, job coaching, and a wage subsidy that can be used by employers to help cover onboarding and training costs. Other program benefits include access to on-demand mental health resources and supports, and use of a unique communication tool to connect with program facilitators and track progress toward achieving employment goals.

Each program location may vary slightly, but typically there are 8-10 participants in the In-Person program.

There is no limit to how many people can participate in the EmploymentWorks Online program.

EmploymentWorks In-Person is a 3-phased program up to 12-months in duration. Phase 1 includes 60 hours of programming, with 30 hours dedicated to classroom learning that focuses on social, communication and job skills development, and 30 hours to job sampling that provides opportunities to practice these skills in a variety of workplace settings. Once you have completed Phase 1, the goal will be to support you to improve your participation in the labour market – in other words, to support you on your path to employment. Once you have secured employment, we support your success by providing on-the-job supports such as job coaching, equipment subsidies, and wage subsidies. Approaches will vary in intensity and duration based on your individual needs and the program location.

EmploymentWorks Online is designed for individuals to complete modules on their own time and at a pace that best supports their learning, skill development, practice and retention. If needed, access to live support and guidance is available up to 12-months from the program start date. Support may include 1:1 sessions to ask questions, discuss program topics, and improve job seeking capabilities. For individuals who gain employment during the program, access to time-limited ‘on-the-job’ supports is also available.

No experience is required, just a desire to find a job and a willingness to actively participate!

Some programs may charge a fee for program participation. Contact your local program provider to find out more.

Check our Locations page to find a program provider near you!

If you are over the age of 18 and are willing to share your experiences related to employment, this may be a great volunteer opportunity for you. Check out For Mentors to learn more.

Mentors provide support, reinforcement, and positive role modeling to program participants as they focus on developing their employment skills and in turn, develop social, communication, time management, leadership, and people skills.

Mentors attend the Structured Learning sessions which are held weekly for 12 weeks and run for 2.5 hours. Contact your local program provider to learn more.

Mentors who have prior work and volunteer experience would likely have relevant insights to share with program participants. Otherwise there are no other strict experience requirements!

Check our Locations page to find a program provider near you!

As an employer with EmploymentWorks, your organization will provide opportunities for autistic adults and persons with disabilities to work shoulder-to-shoulder with your employees to gain valuable, hands-on experience. Check out For Employers to learn more.

Contact your local program provider to find out more about becoming an employer. No EmploymentWorks program in your area? Contact us to find out other ways you can support successful and sustainable employment outcomes for diverse individuals.

Employers are typically asked to commit to a minimum of two 5 hour time-slots over the course of a 12 week period. Programs are typically offered anywhere from 1-3 times a year based on program location.

While you are not expected to hire program participants, becoming an employer in this program provides a unique opportunity to get to know potential employees and see them in action. Many of our employers find employees through the program! Check out this video from an employer in Calgary.

No – the job-sampling model that is used within EmploymentWorks is intended to provide participants with a variety of workplace experiences. Participants are only on the work site for 2.5 hours at a time to sample job tasks and, where appropriate, may be coached by not only program staff, but employees!

Check out the Locations page to see if there is an existing program provider near you, or if your organization could be the first to offer EmploymentWorks to your community!

If you have an interest and capacity to support autistic adults and/or persons with disabilities to prepare for, find, and keep a job, this might be the perfect program for your organization. Click here to find out more about the program.

Check out The Program page to get a quick overview of the format, and don’t hesitate to Contact Us for more information!

EmploymentWorks is delivered by a Program Coordinator and 2 Program Facilitators.

A free license is required to access the EmploymentWorks program materials and resources. Costs to run the program consist primarily of staff wages and local transportation. Human resource costs vary by organization and location, but a good starting place is to allocate 2 days per week for each of the staff members (1 x Program Coordinator and 2 x Program Facilitators) and approximately $400 for local transportation (mileage and parking).

Contact Us to learn more about the free license!

Check out the For Agencies page for more information and Contact Us so we can discuss your goals!

IT’S FREE. Contact Us to learn more about the free license to run the program.

Some service providers may charge a fee for program participation.